The Corporate Governance and Audit Committee of Kirklees Council convened on 28 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the approval of the Annual Governance Statement, the Customer Standards Report, and the Annual Report on Treasury Management. Decisions were made to adopt the Annual Governance Statement and to approve the Risk Management Policy and Strategy for 2024.

Annual Governance Statement

The committee reviewed and approved the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for the year 2023-2024. The AGS is a statutory document that outlines the council's governance framework and the effectiveness of its internal controls. The discussion highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in council operations. One member noted, The AGS is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that our governance practices meet the highest standards.

Customer Standards Report

The Customer Standards Report was presented, detailing the council's performance in handling customer complaints and feedback. The report showed an improvement in response times and resolution rates compared to the previous year. The committee discussed the need for continuous improvement and the implementation of new strategies to enhance customer satisfaction. A member remarked, While we have made significant progress, we must continue to strive for excellence in our customer service.

Annual Report on Treasury Management

The Annual Report on Treasury Management was reviewed, summarising the council's treasury activities over the past year. The report indicated that the council had managed its investments and borrowings prudently, achieving a favourable financial position. The committee approved the report, acknowledging the efforts of the treasury management team. One member commented, Effective treasury management is vital for the financial health of the council, and this report demonstrates our commitment to sound financial practices.

Risk Management Policy and Strategy

The committee approved the Risk Management Policy and the Risk Management Strategy for 2024. These documents outline the council's approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks. The discussion emphasised the need for a proactive risk management culture to mitigate potential threats to the council's objectives. A member stated, Adopting a robust risk management framework is essential for safeguarding our operations and ensuring we can respond effectively to any challenges.

Future Agenda Planning

The committee also reviewed the Agenda Plan for 2024-2025, outlining the key topics and reports to be discussed in future meetings. This plan aims to ensure that all significant governance and audit issues are addressed systematically throughout the year.